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Ramaphosa misses ANC gala dinner after family member is hospitalised

Published

Ongoing: Elections Hot

Empty parliamentary chamber with rows of wooden benches and green seats under high windows.

ANC treasurer-general Gwen Ramakgopa said a family member of the president was in hospital, which kept him from the Progressive Business Forum dinner in Gqeberha on Saturday. ANC leaders billed the event as marking the end of the party's local election campaign.

Ramaphosa was due to be the keynote speaker at the dinner, held at the KuGompo International Convention Centre in the Eastern Cape. ANC chair Gwede Mantashe described the absence as a family crisis.

Mantashe said Ramaphosa led the campaign from the front. He also said: "This campaign was quite formidable. I think we should make that assessment before we deal with the results because results can make you reach different conclusions."

Eastern Cape ANC chairperson Oscar Mabuyane said the campaign was extensive despite financial challenges. He called the Constitutional Court judgment on councillor candidates a huge relief.

The court ordered the Independent Electoral Commission to reinstate 181 ANC candidates. Candidates from 44 parties, 2 093 in all, remain excluded from the November local elections.

Key facts

Who
Cyril Ramaphosa (President of South Africa, scheduled keynote speaker who was absent); Gwede Mantashe (ANC chair); Gwen Ramakgopa (ANC treasurer-general); Oscar Mabuyane (Eastern Cape ANC chairperson)
What
At an ANC Progressive Business Forum gala dinner in Gqeberha's KuGompo convention centre on Saturday, ANC leaders said Ramaphosa was absent because a family member had been hospitalised; ANC leaders billed the dinner as marking the end of the party's local government election campaign.
When
31 October 2026
Where
KuGompo International Convention Centre, Eastern Cape
Status
Reported

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